The biggest difference between LADA and type 1 diabetes is that LADA has a gradual onset (it comes on slowly).

Also, people with type 1 diabetes cannot make insulin. But if they are given a shot of insulin, the insulin works and does its job in their bodies. But in people with LADA, even if they are given insulin, the insulin may not work as well as it should.

Most people with LADA become insulin-dependent (have to inject insulin) within 3-15 years.[3][4] This is very different from type 2 diabetes. Only 20%-30% of type 2 diabetics end up being insulin-dependent.[5][6]

Another difference is that type 2 diabetes can happen to anyone at any age. But LADA does not affect children or teenagers[source?]. It usually affects people age 35 and older, but can affect anyone between 20-29 years of age.

With LADA, the pancreas cannot make insulin because the immune system is attacking its insulin-making cells. This does not happen in type 2 diabetes.

Contrary to popular belief, some people with LADA do have family members with type 2 diabetes.[7][8][9][10][11]

People with LADA are sometimes misdiagnosed (diagnosed incorrectly) as having type 1 or type 2 diabetes. A special blood test can prove what kind of diabetes a person has. The test looks for an antibody that only diabetics with LADA have. It is called a GAD antibody test.